Wi-Fi detector

Related Terms

A device used to detect and analyze the presence of Wi-Fi networks (hotspots). A WiFi detector can be a standalone handheld device that requires batteries to operate or a USB device that can be connected to your computer or laptop. A typical WiFi detector will show both the presence of a signal, detect WEP or WPA encryption, wireless standard (802.11b or 802.11g) as well as the relative signal strength. This information obtained about is usually shown on the device's built-in LCD display screen.

This type of devices has many different names, usually based on the brand name of the product itself. Alternative names for a Wi-Fi detector include Wi-Fi scout, Wi-Fi finder, and hotspot detector.